images: Lisa Wallace; Courtesy
Formerly of Cape Point Vineyards fame, winemaker-cum-surfer Duncan Savage left the vineyards between Fishhoek and Noordhoek to start his own label, Savage Wines, in Cape Town’s industrial Salt River. With his Cape Point Isleidh being one of South Africa’s greatest white wines, Duncan’s natural skill and intuition in the cellar is not to be doubted.
ALSO READ: The windiest winery in South Africa
Savage Wines began in 2013 with the proud launch of Duncan’s first two vintages under his own label: the Savage White 2012 and Savage Red 2011. Fast-forward five years to a selection of Savage Wines that are among the most coveted in South Africa — our favourite being the deliciously light and fresh “Follow the Line”, a Cinsault-centric blend complemented by Grenache and Syrah. If you’re a seasonal drinker (whites in summer reds in winter) allow this unique red blend to reprogramme you.
Due to its popularity, Follow the Line is limited to six bottles per person, so if you’re able to get your hands on a bottle (or more) consider yourself lucky. The maiden release of Follow the Line 2014 was a blend of 58% Cinsaut, 21% Grenache and 21% Syrah, at 13% Abv. The latest 2016 release is 41% Cinsaut, 35% Grenache and 24% Syrah from grapes grown in varying altitude and maritime vineyards in and around the Western Cape. In the cellar, using minimal intervention philosophies along with new and old large format French Oak, the essence and true representation of the unique terroir is captured in each of the wines.
Ultra-bright, vibrant and ruby red in colour, look forward to smokey, red berry fruit (straw and strawberries) on the nose. Working as a harmonious trio, the fragrant, marzipan-like Cinsault finds fruity appeal in the berry-sweet Grenache, only to be structured and given a fuller body and depth with peppery, earthy Syrah.
Well crafted and loved by oenophiles, not just for it’s flavour but also for its cult difficult-to-come-by status, Follow the Line is easy to drink now, easy to drink in 2028. Another unique wine South Africans (and Duncan) can be proud of.
ALSO READ: Eat Italian with Italians: A feast at chef Theo Penati’s Pierino Penati (with wine by Savage Wines)
